Martin Grossman Does Not Deserve To Die

February 9, 2010 12:31 PM

Both Jewish and non-Jewish community leaders are petitioning Florida Governor Charlie Crist for an emergency stay of execution for death-row prisoner Martin Grossman, scheduled to be executed on Feb. 16th.

National Council of Young Israel, Agudath Israel of America, Orthodox Union, Chabad, Satmar, and Rabbinical Alliance of America, are amongst a list of 200 organizations pleading with the Florida Governor to grant a 60-day stay which would enable for a comprehensive clemency application to be presented and considered.

The case of Martin Grossman is gaining national attention. In 1984, Grossman was a 19-year-old drug-addicted high-school dropout with a juvenile record for trespassing. He and a friend, Thayne Taylor, drove to an isolated nature reserve to fire a found handgun. A wildlife officer stopped them, searched their car and confiscated the gun. Martin, who is reported to have an IQ of 77, panicked and began pleading with the officer not to report him as he would be in violation of his probation. When she reached for her radio a struggle ensued, which resulted in the officer reaching for her own gun, whereupon Martin panicked, snatched her gun and shot her. A psychiatrist who evaluated him concluded, from his psychological and medical condition, that he could not have formed the intent to kill. Taylor served less than three years in prison while Martin was sentenced to death.

Mr. Grossman has been on death row for over 25 years.

The petition argues that the death sentence meted out to him is disproportionate in the extreme and that his defense was inadequate. Only one percent of murder sentences end in capital punishment, crimes commonly referred to as "the worst of the worst."

The petition further argues that Martin's crime, considering the lack of premeditation, his drug addiction, his IQ level, and several other compelling factors does not qualify for the death penalty, and that the court ignored mitigating circumstances. Only four of thirty-three available defense witnesses were used in the sentencing phase. Additionally, there are allegations of prosecutorial misconduct as well. A fellow prisoner and key witness for the government swears that he lied at trial, and that he was rewarded by having his own charges dropped. Martin Grossman's appeals regarding these issues have been rejected without hearings, but they could be considered in a clemency petition.

"Martin has shown deep and profound remorse over the years, and is no longer the same wild reckless person he was 26 years ago," argues Rabbi Menachem Katz from the Aleph Institute, who has visited Martin regularly over the past 15 years.

As of this release, Governor Crist has not agreed to grant a stay. Execution is set for February 16 at 6:00 PM.

Concerned citizens are encouraged to call (1-850-488-7146) or email the Governor and ask for clemency and mercy for Martin Grossman, and to sign the online petition.

Perspective
I can only understand a little about the families pain. If we could save the life of the victim we would have been all over it. The opportunity here was to save another, but not by mocking the victim or the families of the victim g-d forbid.

We were not advocating his release from prison, only that he should be allowed to live.

I personally would have never thought I would defend a murderers right to live, and it took a lot of strength to support Mr. Grossman.

I wish the victims families much comfort in their ongoing struggle to deal with this pain. If you read the forums you will see more of us offering condolences to the victims families than to Grossman's. That's food for thought.

justice
what about the family of the deceased? have people forgotten the pain and agony they have endured during the past 26 years. our families have lived as next door neighbors for the past 40 years. we knew them before and after the murder. there is no way we describe the changes. try to remember justice is a two street.
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Evlynar JohansonBoston, MAMarch 21, 2010

ALL THE FACTS BEING TRUE....
......if they are true as written - Grossman should be cared for. trained and attempts should be made to enhance what ever abilities he does have.

Execution should be out of the question - but there must be some consequences for shooting the woman.

But overall - it's merely good sense. You are right - he should not suffer the crude painful execution we allow in these times.
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joe fridayUSAFebruary 22, 2010

IQ
Daniela,

While the status of IQ testing in criminal cases may have been in doubt in 1983, that does not change the fact that his IQ was tested - something you denied.
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DanielaFebruary 22, 2010

IQ
In 1983 there was no consensus on how to do IQ testing for criminal evaluation purposes, neither the USA nor Florida had a law on a minimal IQ that was needed in order to inflict death penalty nor there was a framework in place, dictating how to measure it. That said, I thought we are here to mourn together our brother and do our best to prevent any similar tragedy in the future.
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joe fridayusaFebruary 22, 2010

daniela
Daniela,

I read Grossman's legal appeals, including the full transcript of Dr. Brad Fisher's report on his evaluation of Grossman. I can't think of a more reliable source for information than the documents his own attorneys filed. Further, I never said Grossman paid $100,000 for his defense. I suggest you go back and re-read what I wrote.
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DanielaFebruary 22, 2010

Joe Friday
I have received my information from the family (his aunt and his cousin, the only people he had left), from the already mentioned Florida Support who are activists that try to help all death row inmates in Florida (they are volunteer and can't offer financial support) and from some Rabbis who worked tirelessly in the last few days (they had no idea before). I haven't had the time to study the paperworks in depth, as I was busy first doing all I could, and then consoling the mourners (unfortunately I could not attend the funeral); I will do that in the near future, as well as finding out if there are other people, Heaven forfend, who are in a similar situation and whom we are obligated to help. Where did you receive your information from? And where did you hear the statement that the family of Martin, even when his mother was still alive, had 100K to pay for his defence? Yes it may well be that the average cost is 100K, some people spend a million or two. If you help Ford, more honor to you.
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joefridayusaFebruary 22, 2010

Martin's IQ
Danilela,

You are incredibly misinformed. Martin Grossman's IQ was tested in 1983 when he was incarcerated for burglary. It is ridiculous to suggest that lack of money prevented additional testing. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the average cost of a death penalty appeal is over $100,000. Educational psychologists typically charge $400-500 to run a full battery of tests, which include both IQ and achievement tests. Are you honestly suggesting that a $100,000 defense couldn't spare $500 for an IQ test?
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DanielaFebruary 19, 2010

joe friday
It is true that the issue of justice, and its mockery, did not receive the attention it deserved. It is true that had we helped others in due time, perhaps we would not be here mourning one of our own brothers. Also, it is very important to give legal and financial help before arriving at the verdict, which is much easier than overturning it. In regards to nonjews, a resource that I found is Florida Support (they also helped Grossman) google it; I am sure there are many others for all who want to help. Also, Martin was visible because he had become observant; I am sure Aleph helps all jews, religious or not, but they have to know about them. Which may not necessarily happen always.

FYI Martin always said he does not remember what happened. He was tormented by guilt and never sought for the truth, also because of his IQ. Which, FYI, has never been measured: 77 is an estimate. Had it been measured, it probably would have made it illegal to kill him, but there was no money to do so.
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joe fridayUSAFebruary 18, 2010

another case
The next scheduled execution if Melbert Ray Ford, on February 23. Like Grossman, it is a felony murder case. Also like Grossman, Ford has found religion in prison and has been a model prisoner for 25 years. Unlike Grossman, Ford claims he did not murder the victims, but rather was made the fall guy by his partner in crime who ratted him in exchange for a lighter sentence. Let's see how many Jewish groups take up this cause.
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Martin Grossman's crime & punishment
This was also in the letter, too much for 1 person to include with the space allocated.

Mr. Grossman took several carefully planned steps to cover up this horrible crime. The weapon was buried, and Mr. Grossman attempted to burn his clothes and shoes, which were later disposed of in a nearby lake. The following day, Mr. Grossman thoroughly cleaned the van and changed its tires to mislead law enforcement.

Officer Park’s autopsy revealed lacerations on top of her head, hemorrhaging inside the scalp and extensive fracturing of the skull. All of these injuries resulted from Mr. Grossman’s attack. The facts of this crime clearly meet the definition of heinous, atrocious, and cruel, and his actions afterward demonstrate his well-reasoned attempts to cover it up.

I wanted fairness and humane treatment for him. I think it was, now that I read the Gov's letter.

Maybe some have not seen this information.

I'll research deeper before I write a letter next time, truly, I will.
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AnonymousVincennes, FranceFebruary 17, 2010

simple on folks
he commited several crimes.the end result of which was the death of an innocent person. Period. why does no one mention Margaret Park in their remarks... only concerned about a repeat offender who killed a woman. in cold blood.why would we not remember the victim and only think of the killer?
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AnonymousLos AngelesFebruary 16, 2010

The question is not whether or not Mr. Grossman deserved the death penalty.

The question is if a man who committed a heinous act can experience remorse and change to the point where he would not be capable of repeating the act after 25 years.

The death penalty for Mr. Grossman will not bring back Officer Parks. The only thing the death penalty would do is kill Mr. Grossman.

I don't know Mr. Grossman personally, but I would rely on the opinion Rabbi Katz and ask that he serve out his sentence with life in prison.
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AnonymousUndisclosed, USAFebruary 16, 2010

Comedy to the Arabs - Be Leery
A rejected call from the POPE?

Learn your Holocaust history - deception has happened in every nation. This is NOT G-d's. This was the will of a Florida politician who rejected Rabbinical AND Papal calls, unable to even listen to anyone other than himself.

This was not a punishment - this IS a warning of where the heart of Florida is and what it is capable of becoming more of.

I read Tehillim all the way up to the time they killed him.

If they get rid of the death penalty in Florida, it also will not bring enrichment to their lives - they ignored the law for new evidence - IN A DEMOCRACY at WAR to bring DEMOCRATIC ideals to those behind the murders of 3000 civilians.

They needed a Jew to blame. It was nothing more or less. He would have been executed anyway. They could have listened to the new evidence.

The POPE? Who rejects a call from the Pope?

Many people said "Now the Jews'll get what's coming to them" when electing Obama. Happy? Relieved? Safer?
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Bob WaltonSevern, MDFebruary 16, 2010

Gov Crist's response re: Martin Grossman-
Thank you Governor. Your explanation suggests that Grossman was not a mental defective as portrayed by his attorney. I will share this with my congregation.

Thank you for contacting me and sharing your concerns about the execution of Martin Grossman.

On December 13, 1984, Mr. Grossman violated the terms of his probation by leaving Pasco County and having a stolen firearm in his possession. In a routine stop, Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer Margaret Park found the weapon. When she reached for the radio in her patrol car to report him, Mr. Grossman attacked her with her own large flashlight, beating her over the head and shoulders 20 to 30 times. When Officer Park tried to fight back, Mr. Grossman took her .357 Magnum revolver and shot her in the back of the head, killing her.
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AnonymousParisFebruary 16, 2010

I'm happy to be french
In france, death penality do not exists, I'm happy to be a jewish french woman. Techuva can change positively everybody,.
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AnonymousOf Hope, USAFebruary 16, 2010

Lawful vs Unlawful (In some cases) - PT2
He is also the son of a military man.

It is beyond comprehension that anyone can think he had enough capacity at the time to harm someone who represented his primary attachment to his father, in either a normal(unaltered) or premediated state.

Without those factors in play, it may not be a capitol offense but without legal proof, no one, including the family of the victim will ever know.

Lawful vs Unlawful (In some cases)
To those citing Florida's law, Florida's law allows for clemency hearings and unless it is vengence, that part of the law is all that is being requested. Not that this man go unpunished. I would like to think, as any other ordinary citizen, any grief-stricken family member of the victim of such an assault with such a tragic outcome, would want to see the full measure of the legal system carried out, not only the vengence side while they say they have forgiven. It is not possible to forgive murder-only Gd can forgive a murder.

To those fellow Jews and Christians, alike, who mention he's a Jew, so what? He didn't commit a religiously motivated crime. He also didn't kill to 'get out' of anything. A rational person knows they will get worse. He wasn't all there.

Killing someone who has found peace is the opposite of a penalty against him and penalizes the person carrying it out. I feel sorry for that person who has to live with that. This is why the DP is opposed -for the living!
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Anonymouschicago, ilFebruary 16, 2010

Martin Grossman
His crime was committed when he was much younger and under the influence of drugs and or alchohol. Now while his crime was terrible, he is a changed person, and to snuff out his life, would be a terrible "crime"! Don't let him be put to death in the next 12 hours! At the worst let him stay in jail, but better still let him go with time served. That is "true" justice!
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